2016年CRI Chinese Admiral Zheng He's legacy boosts Indonesia's tourism industry（在线收听）

Zheng He, also known as Cheng Ho in the Cantonese dialect, played a critical role in expanding Chinese influence throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia.

The Provincial capital of Central Java, Semarang, is named after the Admiral in the native language.

This past weekend saw the provincial government of Central Java stage a Cheng Ho Cultural Festival in Semarang.

Hari Untoro, a multiculturalism expert with Indonesia's Tourism Ministry, says Cheng Ho's route through southeast Asia played an important part in boosting links between China and Indonesia.

"We have to revive the Cheng Ho route once again because it serves as an important link, both physically and historically, with Indonesia's connection with China."

The weekend festival included events at Sam Poo Kong, the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang.

This is where Admiral Cheng Ho - a Muslim - prayed, meditated and spread his message of peace to the Indonesian people hundreds of years ago.

The temple remains an essential site, and is said to represent the rich cultural heritage that Cheng Ho brought to life back in the 15th century.

Event today, tourists from all around the world gather at the temple to catch a glimpse of the past.

"I'm studying Chinese in Poland. That's why I want to see how Chinese culture looks in other countries. That's why I came here with my friends to see the temples. It's really beautiful."

"People are enjoying themselves and people are gathering all over the place and they're having fun. And I guess, that's really what it is about. You bring the culture to the people and letting them experience it."

Indonesia's Tourism Ministry created the "Cheng Ho Sea Route" tour packages last year, inspired by the Admiral's 7 voyages through Indonesian waters, which first began in 1405.

Foreign arrivals have since increased by nearly 2 percent, suggesting his ancient legacy is helping promote Indonesia's tourism industry, and still providing links to Indonesia and China 600-years later.

For CRI, this is Niu Honglin.